Advancing Thermal Rectifiers: From Paraffin Wax Diodes to Building Wall Applications

In this extended abstract, we delve into advancing thermal rectifiers by applying them to building walls for enhanced thermal regulation. Initially focusing on a paraffin wax-based thermal diode, our research explores its rectifying characteristics under transient boundary conditions. Notably, the nonlinear dependence of wax's thermal conductivity around 48°C gives rise to diode-like behavior, a phenomenon we observed experimentally. Building upon these findings, our study envisions the implementation of paper-based small-scale thermal diodes. Through simulations, we thoroughly investigate the transient response of this non-linear thermal diode. Our research delves into the impact of time-dependent temperature inputs on the output temperature, as well as the influence of geometric parameters and the paper-to-wax ratio on the rectifier's transient performance. This extension broadens the scope of thermal rectification, offering insights into potential applications in building systems for effective temperature management.